He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 133

After her disastrous blind date, Vivian finally admitted to herself that, while Ethan wasn't ideal, he was still better than the alternatives—for now, at least.

“Fine,” she muttered.

Swallowing her pride, she called Ethan. But before she could even speak, his icy voice cut through:

“Vivian, we’ve already broken up. Why are you calling me?”

Vivian’s heart sank.

Only then did she realize how little she now mattered to Ethan. Her only bargaining chip left was their daughter.

“She’s not feeling well. You should come see her,” she said quickly.

“Then take her to the hospital. I’m not a pediatrician,” Ethan replied coldly. He’d seen through her ploy and hung up without another word.

Vivian stared blankly at her phone. She was stunned.

…

That evening, Rose returned home and, unusually, began mixing up a DIY face mask. She applied a thick coat of her egg-and-milk concoction and flopped onto the bed with a book.

Houston walked in and was surprised to see her pampering herself.

“Didn’t think someone as naturally beautiful as you would bother with skincare,” he teased, settling beside her.

“If I don’t take care of myself and some little vixen steals you away, who am I supposed to cry to?” Rose said offhandedly.

Houston didn’t catch the undertone. “Those little vixens want pretty boys. I’m just an old, crusty man.”

Rose gave a pointed look. “You clearly don’t understand the market. Rich, well-groomed older men like you? White-collar heiresses love your type.”

Chuckling, Houston kissed her lightly. “What about you?”

Looking him in the eye, Rose whispered, “I like you too.”

He was visibly affected. His voice deepened. “I’ll go shower first.”

As he peeled off his coat and headed toward the bathroom, his phone rang. He answered it absentmindedly on his way in.

Lina’s sugary voice oozed from the other end. “Houston!”

The director, overwhelmed by her tears, quickly summoned Ethan.

Vivian finally saw him again, but his face was ice-cold.

“Ethan,” she said with a trembling voice.

He cut her off. “Vivian, haven’t you had enough?”

“I called. You didn’t answer. I texted. You didn’t reply. I had no choice but to come here.”

She sniffled. “I know my mom said some awful things. But she regrets it now. She wants you to come home.”

Ethan clenched his jaw. “That’s enough. Don’t think I don’t know what you and your mother have been up to. You went on blind dates behind my back, didn’t you?”

He sneered. “Too bad your reputation’s so rotten. The matchmakers only set you up with leftovers—washed-up weirdos and desperate men. Now you see your market value and come crawling back to me?”

Vivian froze.

Her face twitched, but she quickly deflected. “It wasn’t my idea. My mom forced me. I still have feelings for you—we share a child, after all.”